Hendon Publishing - Article Archive Details

2008 Body Armor Round-Up, Part II

Written by Jennifer Gavigan

PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL (PPI)The Urban Assault Systems from Protective Products International (PPI) are a series of tactical vests representing a combination of function, mobility and ballistic protection. The basic side-opening Cobra features front and back hard armor plate pockets, internal cummerbund and is compatible with load-bearing vests.

The RBR T.A.P.S. Line is a custom-fit body armor system that allows the wearer to go from concealed use to a fully tactical system in minutes. With interchangeable ballistic inserts in a custom cut, the T.A.P.S. line features the RBR Flex Aramid Armor System. At just over 1 pound per square foot at Level IIIA, this armor package holds NIJ certification, and it surpasses the U.S. DEA and U.S. Marshal’s service ballistic testing protocol. Additionally, RBR’s Flex Aramid System exceeds the current U.S. military fragmentation requirement. Standard features on the Tactical Vest include: tactical outer vest cover (cordura) MOLLE webbing pocket attachment system; adjustable bullet-resistant shoulder; removable ballistic groin protector; ballistic soft panel sewn into side closure flap for overlapping side protection; front and rear pockets for rifle protective plates; 4-inch elastic cummerbund attached to rear panel. Each vest is delivered with the following equipment: front and rear NIJ Level III+ steel plates; Cordura nylon vest carry bag; two U.S. Marshal tags (front and rear) and one U.S. Marshal star badge.

The Tactical Assault Vest (T.A.V.) and Gang Enforcement Team (G.E.T.) are manufactured by U.S. Armor and come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, threat levels and armor package configurations as well as a choice of Fixed-Pocket, Modular Snap-Velcro® or Modular Web-Velcro® systems. U.S. Armor’s tactical vests can be cut to fit above the belt, on top of the belt, or over the belt. Vest sizes range from small to XXXX large, and tailor made is available. Options include: Level III or IV hard armor plates; Nomex® fire-retardant outer cover; tactical carry bag; throat protection; biceps, upper arm protection. Colors include: black, navy, OD green, tan, woodland camo, desert camo, digital camo, and custom upon request.